Location tracking has benefits and risks, it helps users find personal items like their keys, purse, luggage, and more through crowdsourced finding networks. However, it has potential risks and can also be misused for unwanted tracking of individuals.
Location tracking can have both benefits and risks. it can help users find personal items like their keys, purse, luggage, and more through crowdsourced finding networks. However, location tracking can have severe consequences for individuals, it can be misused for unwanted tracking.
Apple and Google have come together and proposed an industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking. The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms.
Companies like Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have voiced backing for the draft specification, which offers best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.
Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity, said, “We built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking — a first in the industry — and we continue to make improvements to help ensure the technology is being used as intended. This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.”
“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve,” said Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of Engineering for Android. “Android has an unwavering commitment to protecting users, and will continue to develop strong safeguards and collaborate with the industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices.”
In addition to incorporating feedback from device manufacturers, input from various safety and advocacy groups has been integrated into developing the specification.
Source: Apple
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